Judaism in Biological Perspective: Biblical Lore and Judaic Practices

Description

Can there be rational examples of the compatibility between natural science and Judaism? This book offers a strikingly novel perspective on traditional and contemporary Judaic practices. For those with some Judaic knowledge, there are biological explanations in these chapters not seen elsewhere. For those well-versed in evolutionary theory, the authors' perspectives suggest new approaches to the scientific study of religion. Topics include the monistic tendency, biblical polygyny, biblical family conflict, circumcision and proselytes, sacrificial-ritualistic mitzvot (obligations), periodic conjugal separation, Judaic traditionalism, male and female reproductive strategies, and the relationship between costly signaling and prestige.

About Author

Contents

David Barash, Department of Psychology, University of WashingtonLaura Betzig, The Adaptationist ProgramRick Goldberg, Principal, Binah Yitzrit FoundationMelvin Konner, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Anthropology, Emory UniversityCraig Palmer, Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri-ColumbiaMichael Satlow, Department of Judaic and Religious Studies, Brown UniversityRichard Sosis, Department of Anthropology, University of ConnecticutLyle Steadman, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State UniversityAmotz Zahavi, Dept. of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University